But a spokesman said none of these eight cases fall into that category.

DS Rob Anderson, from Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “No unsolved murder or serious sexual assault is ever closed and we remain committed to delivering closure and support for the victims and their families, as well as reassuring our communities, regardless of the passage of time.”

The Missing Persons Bureau is the UK national and international point of contact for all missing person and unidentified body investigations.